My First Blog

This is my first go at blogging and I am at a loss for what to write. With the holiday season winding down it feels so good to just take in a deep breath. Christmas and New Years were wonderful the only thing that I couldn't find time for was a walk through Naples to see the beautiful lights and Miss. Diane didn't make it out (so sad) but all in all it was a great time. Christmas this year was a little different. For as long as I can remember throughout my entire life on Christmas Eve night we have celebrated my grandmothers birthday at her house with all of my cousins, aunts and uncles. Every Christmas Eve for about as long as I can remember Shannon and I sneak away and have our little chats in my grandma's front bathroom with me sitting on the edge of the tub and Shannon sitting up on the counter. Just this year my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and I understand that she easily tires. This year we celebrated her birthday earlier in the day at my Aunts house. It was a very nice time but that feeling from the past was gone. As I get older I begin to understand how important those memories from childhood are. I miss them and those feeling but the new memories I am making are just as special and important. This year in the evening I went with Duane over to his friend Bishops house for his families Christmas Eve celebration. It was a wonderful time, I felt so privileged to be welcomed into another families tradition. The night started with a beautiful Christmas prayer where all held hands as a family then it was off to the largest buffet that I have ever seen, I tried molae (I'm certain that I butchered the spelling of that one) for the first time on my tamale it was incredible. Then like out of a movie one of Bishops little cousins walked through the house ringing a small silver bell to announce that it was time to gather around the tree. After we had all congregated the most amazing celebration of Christmas and giving began. The story of Christmas was read by one of the sweetest little boys in the world, I was brought to tears. Then as a whole we sang my favorite Christmas carol "O Holy Night". After this Bishop, his mother and father stood in front of us all to welcome us all into their home and family. They said some sweet words about Duane and myself and said that they would pray that sweet Savanna would have the chance to spend next year with them. I, of course cried again. Then they began passing out presents to family and to my surprise they had gifts for Duane, Savanna and myself as well. It was like a Christmas out of a movie. So this year was very different from years past but it was beautiful and magical in every way.